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Athena head-butted Naomi’s side and let out a low whine.
“Do you need a job?” Naomi guessed.
The cool water of the pool felt good to Naomi’s swollen body. And it was an excellent place for Athena to heal.
She grabbed one of the rubber balls she kept nearby and threw it into the water.
An instant later, Athena launched herself into the air, her cloudy fur turning cerulean blue as she arched herself down into the water and swam for the ball while Naomi cheered her on.
Athena scrambled out of the water and shook herself off, sending a spray of water everywhere.
Naomi laughed, and then felt a tightening around her belly.
Her hands went to her middle.
“Naomi?” Gage murmured.
“I think it’s time,” she told him.
“Oberon,” he bellowed frantically.
“Everything is fine,” Oberon said. “Dr. Pan is on her way.”
“Where do you want to be?” Gage asked Naomi.
But her midsection was tightening again, and this time it hurt.
“I don’t think there’s time to go anywhere,” she told him when it eased a little.
“The lounger,” he said, pointing to the long, cozy chair by the pool.
“Yes,” she gasped as her middle tightened again and a fresh wave of pain washed over her. “It’s happening so fast.”
“That’s normal for Maltaffians,” he told her as he lifted her gently and carried her to the chair. He sat, lowering her down between his legs so that she could lie back against his chest.
In seconds, Dr. Pan was jogging in with two helpers. They began examining Naomi, while Gage ran his fingers through her hair and told her how brave and beautiful she was.
The words were soothing, but the pain intensified with each contraction.
“We can’t give you anything,” Dr. Pan said sympathetically. “But that’s because you’re going to be a mom before it would have a chance to kick in. Are you ready to meet your son or daughter?”
“Yes,” Naomi gasped.
“Then push,” Dr. Pan said with a big smile.
Thankfully, the agony of her labor was short, just like the rest of the pregnancy. After only a few pushes, there was a feeling of release, and the miraculous sound of a baby’s cries.
“Oh,” Naomi sighed.
“You have a beautiful, healthy daughter,” Dr. Pan said happily.
“Leandra,” Gage said, his voice tinged with wonder.
“That’s a lovely name,” Dr. Pan said as she briskly wiped down the little one.
“It means lion-girl,” Gage said. “We hope she will grow up to be as fierce and brave as her name.”
Leandra let out a growly cry and Naomi laughed as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes.
